Medea merdj chekir from Médéa ⵍⴻⵎⴷⵉⵢⴰ المدية: what you need to know

Difficulty analysis: The Medea Merdj Chekir is a 1st category climb covering 8.1 km with 417 m of elevation gain, at an average gradient of 5.2%. The first half is tough, with gradients of 6 to 9% up to km 4.5, and the steepest section sits between km 2.0 and 2.5 at 9%. Only the stretch from km 0.5 to 1.0, at 2%, gives you any real respite, while the second half becomes more rolling between km 4.5 and 6.5.

Pacing tips:

1. Set your rhythm from the start Don't get carried away by the first 500 m at 6%. Going out too hard will cost you on the 9% section between km 2.0 and 2.5.

2. Make the most of the flat at km 0.5 to 1.0 Use this 2% section to drink, eat something, and settle back into a steady rhythm before the climb continues.

3. Push on the rolling section Between km 4.5 and 6.0, where the gradient drops to 1 to 3%, lift the pace a touch to open a gap before the final 5% section between km 6.5 and 8.0.